Texas pastor Bishop Robert Nichols Jr.’s ministry reaches two-plus decades amid humble beginnings
Andre Johnson 
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)
HE’S STILL STANDING
DESOTO, Texas — Don’t get it twisted. This is not a trick question.
What does Bishop Robert Nichols Jr. and Cheerios have in common?
Perhaps he’s better suited to answer such an intriguing inquiry.
“It’s like Cheerios,” Nichols Jr., during telephone interview Thursday morning with Making Headline News, said, when asked to assess the overall landscape of his life, particularly during his Pastoral tenure. “Every time I’ve been pushed to the bottom of the bowl, I’ve swam back to the top.”
For Nichols Jr., he’s proven time and again the top is just where he belongs, given he’s gone to great lengths to thrive and persevere, even when his personal run-ins with the adversary were at times seemingly too insurmountable to overcome.
But God…
“I’ve been through cancer. I’ve been crisis. My life has not been free of obstacles,” Nichols Jr. said. “I’ve been lied on. I’ve been ridiculed. I’ve been sick. I’ve been through divorce and 45 people left the church.”
All things considered, even when it seemed his faith undoubtedly was on trial unlike never before, even when Nichols Jr.’s kingdom contributions appeared bleak to a point where he questioned whether the Lord would ultimately make a way somehow, after he suffered a while, there was God, His usual reliable Self, making a way — somehow.
To Nichols Jr.’s credit, his remarkable and well-publicized body of work in ministry will put on display Sunday when his congregation, family, and a host of well-wishers will descend upon River of Life Church to pay homage to him during his 21st Founder’s Day Celebration.
MORE ON RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH: https://www.stepintotheriver.org/
The church Nichols Jr. established in December 1998 and has been prominently dubbed, “The River,” River of Life is located at 335 South Parks Drive in DeSoto, Texas.
The official service is at 3:30 p.m. CST and will be preceded by a 10 a.m. celebratory assembly.
To his credit, preaching the Gospel was practically in Nichols Jr.’s DNA, considering he was born to then-Pastor Robert and Carolyn Nichols, Sr. and was raised as product of the historic Church of God In Christ.
Add to the fact that even when he accepted his much-anticipated calling that required him to vacate his beloved local church, Dallas’ Christ Holy Temple COGIC, and subsequently establish his own ministry, and it’s no wonder the enemy customarily was commanded to flee amid his occasional attacks upon a thriving pastor who has become a fixture to Dallas/Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.
“It was prophesied to my mother when I was in her womb that the Lord would use me in a mighty way,” said Nichols Jr., recalling a memorable that dialogue that took place between he and his mother when he was “about nine or 10 years” of age. “I grew up, playing church all the time.”
For what it’s worth, it’s safe to assume that “playing church” all those years essentially was a proverbial audition for such a memorable time as now, considering Nichols Jr. has emerged as one of the most well-respected and well-rounded pioneers of the Gospel, particularly amongst those who have come to embrace his in-your-face, unorthodox style of preaching.
River of Life Church has grown immensely from approximately 10 members when it was founded in nearby Garland to currently more than 400-plus worshippers.
HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW
Nearly three years removed since its latest move from its Hampton Road establishment, River of Life is still expanding, considering its 600-seat sanctuary is nearly filled to capacity during its two Sunday power-packed morning worship services.
“Miraculous,” said Nichols Jr., when asked to sum up in word his Pastoral career.
Much to his delight, Nichols Jr. would be the first to admit that his ministry would have not evolved to what it has become today if not for the unyielding support of his three college student children: LaDestiny, LaMiracle, and Robert Nichols III.
“My children are my hearts and the loves of my life,” Nichols Jr. said.
Interestingly, Nichols Jr. said he’d be remiss if he didn’t express his gratitude to his devoted members, many whom steadfastly stuck with him through a ministry that was birthed through humble beginnings.
“I want to thank them for standing by me,” Nichols Jr. said. “They’ve been the wind beneath my wings, if you will.”
A RELATED STORY:
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH’S VISION
It is the dream …
Of a place where the hurting, depressed, frustrated and confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement.
It is the dream …
Of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the thousands of residents of DeSoto, Texas and the surrounding communities.
It is the dream …
Of welcoming more than 1,000 members in the following of our church family – loving, learning, laughing and living together in harmony.
It is the dream …
Of equipping every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God gave them.
It is the dream …
Of global outreach by sending and supporting career missionaries through the world, and through a global television ministry.
It is the dream …
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
